In light of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, VUB is currently reviewing European research projects involving Israeli partners. There are a total of seven such projects. Screening has been completed for one project, and the university decided last week to withdraw from it. Two other projects are due to conclude in a few months. These are larger research initiatives involving dozens of partners. Each project undergoes an individual human rights assessment as agreed by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR). VUB does not have any direct, bilateral collaborations with Israeli entities.

From the outset of the conflict, VUB has aligned with international law. We condemn all violence and violations of human rights on both sides.

VUB does not advocate a general academic boycott, as we believe it is better to engage in dialogue with critical voices within Israel. Universities are often places of resistance, or at least offer a critical perspective towards authorities.

Projects under the ethical committee

We opt for complete transparency in our collaborations with Israeli partners. Our projects never have military objectives, but we do consider potential risks and make ethical considerations.

An independent ethical committee reviews the projects according to VLIR's human rights assessment procedure. This committee considers the human rights situation in the countries in question, the position of the specific partners and the content of the project.

The risk analysis keeps pace with the escalation of the conflict. Before 7 October, we had already conducted regular checks for military use, misuse and dual use – use of research for purposes other than those intended. Since October 2023, a much stricter policy has been enforced against Israel, and the recommendations have been adapted to the evolving situation.

VUB is a participant in these seven projects, alongside various other partners. Two of the seven projects are nearing completion. One recently initiated project has been halted by VUB following a negative recommendation from the ethical committee.

We are currently awaiting advice on four projects. If the committee issues a negative recommendation, or revises an earlier opinion due to changed circumstances, VUB will take the necessary steps.

Withdrawing unilaterally from such a contract with the EU is not a decision taken lightly by VUB.

Full list of the seven projects

 Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals

  • Topic: security materials and products related to medicine 
  • Timing: 01-05/2022 – 30/04/2029 
  • Partners: 175 
  • Contributor: Agence Nationale de la sécurité sanitaire de l’Alimentation de l’environnement et du travail (France) 
  • Israel organisations: Ministry of health 
  • The screening process is currently ongoing

 

THERMOBREAST: An innovative non-contact and harmless screening modality set to change the course of breast cancer detection and patient monitoring

  • Timing: 01/01/2023 – 31/12/2026 
  • Partners: 14 
  • Contributor: Thermomind LTD (Israel) 
  • Israel organisations: Technion – Israël institute of technology, Assuta Medical Centers LTD, Medical Research Infrastructure Development and Health Services Fund by the Sheba Medical Center 
  • The screening process is currently ongoing

 

Foundations of Trustworthy AI - Integrating Reasoning, Learning and Optimization

  • Timing: 01/09/2020-31/08/2024 
  • Partners: 58 
  • Contributor: Linkopings Universitet 
  • Israel organisations: Bar Ilan University 

 

n-ary spintronics-based edge computing co-processor for artificial intelligence

  • Timing: 01/02/2024-31/01/2027 
  • Partners: 5 
  • Contributor: Bar Ilan University (Israel) 
  • Israel organisations: Spinedge LTD 
  • Decision after screening: VUB starts procedure withdrawal from project 

  

Multidisciplinary Expert System for the Assessment & Management of Complex Brain Disorders

  • Timing: 01/04/2021-30/09/2024 
  • Partners: 13 
  • Contributor: Ethnicon Metsovion Polytechnion (Greece) 
  • Israel organisations: Clalit Health Services 

 

AI enabled healthcare services during cross-border medical emergencies and regular patient services

  • Topic: crisis management and help in industrial disasters 
  • Timing: 01/01/2024-31/12/2026 
  • Partners: 10 
  • Contributor: Aristotelio Panepistimio Thessalonikis (Greece) 
  • Israel organisations: Magen David Adom in Israel 
  • The screening process is currently ongoing 

 

ALUNA : Child-protection based strategies to fight against sexual abuse and exploitation crimes

  • Timing: 01/06/2023-31/05/2025 
  • Partners: 16 
  • Contributor: Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain) 
  • Israel organisations: Ministry of Public Security (joined the project after the initial proposal submission in early 2022)
  • The screening process is currently ongoing